Dee Why RSL: New 2200 sqm bar opens with biggest sports screen on the northern beaches

A new 2200 sqm bar is opening as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation on the northern beaches and it’s cool new vibe may surprise some of its former patrons.

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Dee Why RSL will be unveiling its brand new 2200 sqm bar with three huge retractable roofs, outdoor dining space and the largest TV screen on the northern beaches, when the club reopens on Saturday.

The bar called Battery House is built on the former site of a depot where trams were stored and charged.

Architects have incorporated the tram theme in the decor with vintage chairs, tiling, flooring and lighting inspired by the history of the space.

The bar at the Battery House, Dee Why RSL. Picture: John Appleyard

The renovation is part of a $100m redevelopment, which will double the food and beverage areas, and include a new car park and reception area.

Battery House Manager, Hayden Elvy, said members will not be expecting this look at Dee Why RSL.

“We think people will not be expecting this when they walk in,” he said.

“I think they will go ‘wow’.

“There’s lots of natural light and when the retractable roofs are open it’s like being outdoors.”

Venue manager Hayden Elvy in front of the main sports screen, the biggest on the northern beaches. Picture: John Appleyard

Dee Why RSL President, Graeme Liddell, said the bar’s look was a nod to history.

“When the tramway was commissioned in 1927, this space housed and charged the trams batteries until the Manly Tramway system closed in 1939,” he said.

“Since then it has been used as a venue for the Dee Why/Collaroy sub-Branch and the Warringah Returned Services Social Club, storage for Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club and a practice space for Dee Why Athletic Youth Club among other things and it is wonderful to see this space evolve once again.”

The Battery House is part of a new $100m renovation at Dee Why RSL. Picture: John Appleyard

Inside the Battery House venue. Picture: John Appleyard

There’s cosy lounge areas, as well as outdoor dining and three retractable roofs. Tram line. Picture: John Appleyard

Battery House will be able to take up to 200 people on Saturday when it opens its doors at 9am, as the huge space has separate dining areas.

The Manly v Parramatta game will be on from 5.30pm.

As soon as social distancing allows the three pool tables, foosball table, two pinball machines and buck hunter, all fitted with tap-and-go payment options, will be available to utilise.

The renovated reception and car park will open in July and a second bar called the Courtyard will open later in the year.

The new look bar pays homage to its history as a tram shed. Picture: John Appleyard

Tram style seating. Built on the former site of the Battery House for the Northern beaches Tram line, Battery House, the new bar set to open at Dee Why RSL, features many homage to it's transport history in it's decor. Picture: John Appleyard

Battery House has a retro feel in some areas. Picture: John Appleyard